Week 3 Discussion: Cognitivism and behaviorism

Week 3 Discussion: Cognitivism and Behaviorism

This week in our discussion about learning, the focus is on two blog discussions sharing views on the ‘ism’, cognitivism, behaviorism, constructivism and connectivism.
“isms as filter, not blinker” http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/2007/01/isms-as-filter-not-blinker.html by Bill Kerr is the primary subject of discussion in both blogs. The second, Out and About: Discussion on Educational School of Thought” http://karlkapp.blogspot.com/2007/01/out-and-about-discussion-on-educational.html by Karl Kapp, is the result of an ongoing conversation with Stephen Downes about the aforementioned. Having read these entries first, I was very interested in reading Kerr’s points of views thoroughly.

In viewing these discussions, it was confirmed for me that people take strong stances on the theory they believe in/follow. As I’ve mentioned in previous discussions, I am not committed to any on theory or a follower of any single school of thought. I am in agreement that there are needs for all forms as we prepare or attempt to address the learner. As Instructional Designers, all must be considered to provide adequate curriculum for the whole learner. Focusing on one theory would be limiting – one dimensional. I don’t think its so much of taking the best from each philosophy(Kapp) as it is using what’s needed from different schools of thought – because who’s to determine what’s best? Wouldn’t it depend on the need being met/the style needed to reach the learner? I was very pleased to see learning viewed as multi-layered and not singly tied to one theory or the other. I agree that learning is multi-facetted, and that is why it is important to know varying philosophies. Having the “isms”, if not for no other reason, provokes thought and challenges one to research further.

Here's a direct link to the youtube video. (still learning how to post stuff) :-) please bear with me. Thank you.

Hi. Just viewed Dr. Merrell's video and thought it was informative, insightful and helpful. I was just thinking yesterday about the numerous amount of information available on instructional design and trying to determine what I should focus on or skip. Dr. Merrell talks about this. Just wanted to share it with my classmates and anyone who's interested in viewing. See link below.
Hope its helpful. Thank you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_TKaO2-jXA&feature=player_embedded

Overview of Instructional Design resource blogs bookmarked

As a new blogger- with this new opportunity to share information and fullfill my course requirements, I am displaying blogs that contain information on Instructional Design and learning/elearning. As I obtain new information, I will share it. These feeds thus far, highlight the ideas behind elearning in Instructional design. There are examples of theoretical thought process and information on different theorist that have contributed to each theory.
The following are 3 I'm highlighting for others to check out.

1. This one focused on learning objectives. It was the second sight I went to, and thought it was a simple easy read. Not too overwhelming with a lot of information, but gave a nice break down of questions we might have as we search and explore this new area (information blogs)
http://5ddigitalcomm.wordpress.com/2009/11/05/faqs-what-is-a-learning-objective/

2. This blog I found through the link within our course resources. It wasnt the first one I went to, but after creating the layout and going back to review the assignment, I reread the reference to our resource materials. So, here again is a direct connection to the course and and discussion of this week - Ideas on instructional design for elearning and the strategies used. Ferdinand Krauss focuses on the comparance of elearning and traditional learning and highlights points of sociologist Mark Kassop who shared 10 ways that elearning "matches or supasses face-to-face learning".
http://ideas.blogs.com/lo/2004/09/benefits_of_lea.html

3. This one focused on the internet, elearning and connectivism. It was the first blog I chose, as I searched for related topics to our course discussion for this week. This blog tied right into the theories and ideals of learning. Finding this made me feel comfortable in creating this blog and writing on the topics.
http://bdld.blogspot.com/2009/09/internet-elearning-connectivism-ui.html

To make the connection for everyone, In this weeks course readings we touched on traditional and non-traditional learning, behaviorism, cognotivism, four forms of constructivism, and interactionist theories. In discussing these theories, our known theorist as far back as 470 BCE were highlighted. We're talking about Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Locke, Dewey, Vygotsky, Bloom, Skinner, Gagne, Knwles, and Prensky. The information gave me a flashback to my undergraduate studies in psychology. The material on these theories are not an easy read, but will definitely give you insight into the thought process of individuals and the styles/ways in which we learn and/or receive information. Within these chosen, everyone can find an area to relate to.

Hope you enjoy the readings and find some interest. Thank you for indulging me in this first attempt. 7 more weeks to go... ;-)